University of Galway student Anna Connors, from Ballinalee in Co Longford, has been awarded the 2025 Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary in recognition of her commitment to renewable energy and sustainability through her studies in the area of energy systems engineering.  

The €10,000 bursary, established in memory of former Arthur Cox LLP partner Niamh Burke, supports students pursuing studies in the field of renewable energy.

Connors will use the bursary to fund a Master’s in Energy Systems Engineering at the University of Galway, beginning in September 2025. Her academic focus is on the feasibility of harnessing offshore wind and wave energy to meet Ireland’s growing energy demands.

Anna Connors.

The bursary is administered by Wind Energy Ireland and funded by Arthur Cox LLP.

Niamh McGovern, partner and head of energy at Arthur Cox LLP, said: “We are delighted to support Anna Connors as this year’s recipient of the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary. Anna’s dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions, particularly in offshore wind and wave energy, reflects the values and vision that Niamh championed throughout her career. We are proud to honour Niamh’s legacy by supporting the next generation of leaders in sustainability and climate action.”

'Thousands of jobs in wind energy in Ireland'

Lisa-Anne Crookes, communications manager at Wind Energy Ireland, said: “There are already thousands of jobs in wind energy in Ireland and this is only going to grow. Bursaries like this one help to support and champion the innovators, engineers, ecologists and energy specialists of the future.”

Connors started her engineering degree with a choice of areas to focus on but found herself drawn to the renewable energy side of the industry very quickly.

Anna Connors said: “Being awarded the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary is such a wonderful honour. It offers incredible financial assistance to further my studies and is an acknowledgement of my potential in Ireland's energy sector and our country’s enormous wind energy opportunity. 

“It is a true honour to be able to continue the legacy of the late Niamh Burke in furthering study and innovation in the transition of Ireland's energy sector to a more sustainable future."